2.1 million Toyotas, Hondas & Jeeps urgently recalled for bad air bag fix

The U.S. auto safety agency announced an urgent recall of 2.1 million cars and SUVs on Saturday for air bags that could deploy accidentally — a problem that had already been the source of a previous recall which the agency said failed to fix the issue, leaving owners at risk.

In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said about 1.2 million of those vehicles affected were also under separate recalls for Takata air bags that could rupture and send metal shards flying at passengers. The agency urged all owners to get the first, incomplete recall repair done immediately, even though it has only been about 85 percent effective at stopping the problem so far.

“This is unfortunately a complicated issue for consumers, who may have to return to their dealer more than once,” said NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind. “But this is an urgent safety issue, and all consumers with vehicles covered by the previous recalls should have that remedy installed."

The new recall covers:

— 2002-03 Jeep Liberty, 2002-04 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2003-04 Dodge Vipers (753,156 vehicles affected)